Barsur Chandraditya Temple, Chhattisgarh

Address

Barsur Chandraditya Temple, Barsur, Chhattisgarh 494441

Diety

Shiva

Introduction

Chandraditya Temple is dedicated to the Lord Shiva located in Barsur Town in Dantewada District in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. The temple is situated on the banks of Budha Talab. The temple is situated on Jagdalpur to Bhopalpatnam route.

Puranic Significance

The Barsur inscription, dating back to Shaka Samvat 983 (1061 AD) and written in Telugu script, provides historical details about the construction of a Shiva temple in Barsur. According to this inscription, Mahamandaleshwar Chandraditya Maharaj, a feudatory chief under the Nagavanshi ruler Dharavarsha, played a significant role in this endeavor. He not only excavated a tank but also built the Shiva temple at its center. To support the construction and maintenance of the temple, Mahamandaleshwar Chandraditya Maharaj purchased a village from Rajadhiraja and dedicated it for this purpose. Consequently, the temple was named after him, signifying his contribution to its establishment. The evolution of the name Barsur, believed to have originated from the word Balsuri, is an interesting historical transformation. Over time, Balsuri evolved into Barsurgarh, and the site became known as Barsur, marking its historical and cultural significance in the region.

Special Features

The temple is situated atop a raised platform and follows a Pancharatha architectural plan. It consists of a Sanctum and a square-pillared mandapa located in front of the Sanctum. In front of the Sanctum, you can typically find Nandi, the sacred bull and vehicle of Lord Shiva, facing towards the sanctum. The exterior walls of the jangha portion (the body of the temple) are adorned with various intricate carvings and sculptures. These include depictions of Brahma, the incarnations of Lord Vishnu, Prajapati Daksha, Uma-Maheshvara (Parvati and Shiva), as well as other sculptures and images from the Hindu pantheon. These intricate carvings and sculptures add to the temple’s architectural and artistic beauty, providing a rich visual experience for visitors and worshippers alike.